The Italian Highest Court Cancels Local Same-Sex Marriages And Bans The Recognition Of Equal Marriages Performed Abroad

An Italian court deems illegal same-sex marriages performed abroad as well as those allowed in certain Italian cities.

The highest administrative court of Italy has just declared that marriages between same-sex people performed abroad cannot be recognized in the country.

Furthermore, we saw that some municipalities, such as Rome, Naples and Milan, allowed same-sex marriages, recognized by a lower court, despite the absence of a law legalizing marriage and civil unions for same-sex couples.

The High Court has also prohibited such marriages and has repealed the earlier decision. The judge said that he took this decision due to his religious beliefs.

The decision was greeted with joy by both the Interior Minister Angelino Alfano and by the Catholic Church.

For cons, the Foreign ministry undersecretary Benedetto Della Vedova said it was "a victory for none and a defeat for all," insisting that Italy "remains at the starting post as regards gay rights, which urgently need to be regulated".

A bill to allow civil unions for same-sex couples is currently before the Italian Parliament.